Battle of the Wallys

Almost perfect conditions for day two of the Maxi Rolex Cup

Mini Profile: Luca Bassani founder of Wally Yachts

To have your own multi-million dollar yacht at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is a privilege given only to the few. To be surrounded by a whole family of similar boats as a result of turning a dream into reality is given to only one man, Luca Bassani.

If there had been no others, the bronze hull, mast and boom, the mirror coach work, and the clean lines would all have said: "Here is something different." The yacht, Tiketitoo, catches the eye just bobbing on its mooring. It would also catch the eye if it were either an exhibit in the Tate Modern in London or a whole style of building, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

Each would often reveal hidden technology and this yacht is no different. There is a vast array of electronics and hydraulics to control the winches and sails. And under the yacht there is more than just the conventional keel and rudder.

The keel swings from side to side and acts just to improve the righting moment. The rudder is only just big enough to steer the boat. There are then four asymmetrical canard dagger boards to give hydrodynamic lift, one forward, one aft on each side. The whole concept is based on aviation research and it just tickles Luca Bassani pink.

He has been sailing since the age of 12, when he went cruising with his father, and raced hard for many years, especially in offshore boats from seven metres up to maxis. Then he found racing yachts too uncomfortable and stripped out, cruising yachts too slow and boring.

So he ignored all the rules and commissioned Luca Brenta & Co. to help him give birth to a whole new style of yachting. The company's motto is fast and easy. Its achievement is also fast and stylish. The thought that he might, along the way, have produced what some see as works of art "makes me very proud," he says. "I get very excited about new technology and innovation and I am excited by beauty. If I see a beautiful view I want to build a house to match it."

And how does he reconcile the search for the serenity of fast and easy cruising with the aggression associated with racing: "Never take it too seriously, always try to be a bit too young," he explains.

Quote of the day:

"It won't go any faster, however hard you push the button." Luca Bassani to tactician Tom Whidden as he tries to negotiate the keyboard of electronic controls for the sails on Tiketitoo.